tongue-in-cheek

1 of 2

adjective

ˈtəŋ-in-ˈchēk How to pronounce tongue-in-cheek (audio)
Synonyms of tongue-in-cheek
: characterized by insincerity, irony, or whimsical exaggeration

tongue in cheek

2 of 2

adverb

: with insincerity, irony, or whimsical exaggeration

Examples of tongue-in-cheek in a Sentence

Adverb The whole interview was done tongue in cheek.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
That might have been tongue-in-cheek. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 27 June 2026 Williams seemed to be speaking tongue-in-cheek, but Valkyries fans certainly did not see it that way. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 20 June 2026
Adverb
But others have been more tongue in cheek. — Tanyel Mustafa, Refinery29, 28 Aug. 2025 The work is light and dark, solid and liquid, empty and busy, earnest and tongue in cheek. — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tongue-in-cheek

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tongue-in-cheek was in 1856

Rhymes for tongue-in-cheek

See All Rhymes for tongue-in-cheek

Browse Nearby Words

tongue grass
tongue-in-cheek
tongue in cheek
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tongue-in-cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tongue-in-cheek. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

tongue-in-cheek

1 of 2 adjective
: not meant to be taken seriously

tongue in cheek

2 of 2 adverb
: in a tongue-in-cheek manner

More from Merriam-Webster on tongue-in-cheek

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tongue-in-cheek

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